Gloria Tanquilevich loves crafting and quilts. I have known her for some time now, having met her, early on, in a quilting chat room. She probably owns every possible download for paper piecing that has been available online for the last 10 years, as that method has enchanted her. She lives in Argentina and is a teacher, by trade and by temperament. Recently, she converted her garage into a usable sewing area to accommodate the women who want to learn quilting from her, after seeing her beautiful quilts and pillows. She is energetic, creative, and I’m happy to say, my friend.
Gloria, a few years ago
Within the last few months, she has set up a blog, “Quilting in Argentina.” In two recent entries, “Rescate Histórico I” and “Rescate Histórico II,” she shows photos of “old” patchwork, done by Ida Justina Obhola, a woman with German roots, who has enjoyed piecing small rectangular quilts and nine-patch pillows and seat cushions, using scraps from dresses, blouses, and other textiles. Gloria interviewed Ida with her works that seem like antiques in a country with no strong tradition of patchwork or quilting as we think of it.
To buy fabric, Gloria enjoys trekking to Buenos Aires and making a day of shopping at the one quilt shop there. In the past, she has ordered from Keepsake Quilting but mail order is cumbersome for financial considerations of money exchange.
From viewing Gloria’s blog, it is clear to see that she has eager students. I love watching people actualize their potential and follow their dreams. Gloria epitomizes a person who starts with ideas and brings them to fruition, if only by her contagious enthusiasm. Buena suerte, mi amiga, y que Dios te bendiga. (Good luck, my friend, and may God bless you).
Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications
